By John Dike, Osogbo
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday flagged off the construction of the Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan Road spanning Osun and Oyo states and the reconstruction of the Gbongan-Osogbo Road in Osun State.
He described the projects as critical infrastructure that will drive economic growth, improve connectivity and enhance the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Osogbo, the President said the commencement of the two road projects under his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda represented more than the beginning of construction works, but a deliberate effort to reconnect communities, unlock economic opportunities and restore public confidence in public infrastructure.
According to him, the roads are strategic transport corridors that will facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, improve road safety and stimulate commercial activities across the South-West.
“Today, we are not just turning the soil; we are turning a new page. Flagging off these road projects is a clear commitment to connect our people, unlock opportunities and restore confidence in public infrastructure.
“These roads are lifelines and a critical component of our road infrastructure development programme aimed at enhancing connectivity, improving safety and stimulating socio-economic activities. They will enable farmers to move their goods faster and children to get to school more safely,” Tinubu said
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The President explained that the 82-kilometre Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan Road, which begins at Dele Yes Sir Roundabout in Osogbo and passes through Ara, Awo, Ede, Telemu, Iwo, Laagun before terminating in Ibadan, has deteriorated over the years despite being the shortest route linking Osogbo and Ibadan.
He disclosed that the Federal Executive Council approved the award of the project at a cost of N114,854,477,607.93 to Peculiar Concerns Limited with a completion period of 24 months.
Tinubu assured residents that the road would be constructed using Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology to guarantee durability and long-term service.
The President also announced the reconstruction of the Gbongan-Osogbo Road, a project covering approximately 88 kilometres of dual carriageway.
He said the road originates from Old Garage Roundabout in Osogbo and passes through Owode-Ede, Akoda-Ede, Sekona, Oogi and Ode-Omu before terminating at Gbongan on the Ife-Ibadan Expressway.
According to him, the project will upgrade failed sections of the existing carriageway into a rigid concrete dual carriageway while reconstructing already dualised portions that have deteriorated over time.
The contract, valued at N101,806,515,825.09, was awarded to Trucrete Solutions Limited and is also expected to be completed within 24 months.
Tinubu noted that both projects were approved by the Federal Executive Council to ease the burden on road users and improve the economic fortunes of communities along the corridors.
He explained that the projects would include site clearance, earthworks, drainage systems, stone base construction, reinforced rigid concrete pavement, solar-powered streetlights, CCTV surveillance systems, landscaping, tree planting and the provision of lay-bys where necessary.
The President said the contractors had been directed to mobilise fully to their respective project sites immediately, warning that unnecessary delays would not be tolerated.
“I have directed the contractors to mobilise fully because delays will not be welcomed. This administration is committed to ensuring quality, transparency and value for money. Every naira invested must count, every milestone must be achieved and every community must benefit from these projects,” he stated.
Tinubu said the projects formed part of a broader nationwide infrastructure renewal programme currently being executed by his administration.
He disclosed that rehabilitation work on the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa Road and the dualisation of the Ilesa-Akure-Owo-Benin Highway were progressing steadily using rigid concrete pavement technology.
The President also gave updates on other flagship federal highway projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway and the Trans-Sahara Trade Route, expressing confidence that they would boost national economic growth and regional integration.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure capable of transforming the nation’s economy and improving the quality of life of Nigerians.
Tinubu urged contractors to see themselves as development partners rather than mere contractors by engaging young Nigerians in skills acquisition and employment opportunities during the execution of the projects.
“I want our contractors to be our development partners. Engage our youths, allow them to learn from your operations and equip them with skills that will benefit them and the future of our nation.
“Together, we will build not just roads but trust, not just routes but a better future for Nigeria. With God on our side, these projects will be completed successfully and will serve as catalysts for economic transformation,” the President said.
He commended the Federal Ministry of Works, the contractors handling the projects and all stakeholders for their commitment to the successful implementation of the road infrastructure programme.
Tinubu expressed confidence that upon completion, the highways would significantly improve transportation, promote trade, reduce travel time, boost agricultural productivity and stimulate economic development across Osun, Oyo and neighbouring states.
Earlier, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, commended President Tinubu for what he described as unprecedented infrastructure development across the country, saying the President had demonstrated a strong commitment to national development.
The monarch said Tinubu deserved another term in office based on his performance, particularly in the area of infrastructure.
The traditional ruler further urged the people of Osun State to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), in the August 15 governorship election, saying the state would benefit more from alignment with the Federal Government.
His remarks drew loud applause from party supporters and other dignitaries at the event, which was attended by senior government officials, traditional rulers, political leaders and residents from across Osun and Oyo states.
